Stand Up Otago

It was easy to talk down the local economy, but the evidence did not back it up, Prime Minister John Key told Scott Technology workers in Dunedin yesterday.

Prime Minister John Key can expect to face tough questions about the southern economy and the planned job cuts at Invermay when he visits Dunedin today.

Otago community leaders have ''fair questions'' on AgResearch's proposal to shift 85 jobs from Invermay, deputy prime minister Bill English says.

There is much at stake in this year's local body elections.

Narelle Stewart has some big plans for her Dunedin-based clothing and costume business.

AgResearch's decision to downsize Invermay and Ruakura is as simple as profit before opportunities to support farmers, writes Malcolm Deverson for the Clutha Agricultural Development Board.

Concentrating on quality, a great environment and a family atmosphere among staff is the recipe of success for Fergburger, the burger bar which has become as much a part of Queenstown as skiing and bungy jumping.

Three entrepreneurial Dunedin men have a goal - to create jobs.

Cromwell siblings Carl and Amber McNulty are living their dream of staying in the place they love while doing business throughout New Zealand.

Local collaboration and work diversification are key elements for listed Scott Technology's success in expanding into global markets, from its base in Dunedin.

Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull says regional development and the threat to Invermay did not come up when he shook Prime Minister John Key's hand yesterday.

Southern voices have joined together in an unprecedented display of unity to call for more investment, not less, in Dunedin's Invermay agricultural research centre.

Former Invermay director Dr Jock Allison has described AgResearch's proposed restructuring - and its effect on Invermay - as ''complete lunacy'', both from economic and science perspectives.

Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull and Otago Chamber of Commerce president Peter McIntyre are fired up before this morning's summit to look at opportunities to grow the regional economies of Otago and Southland.

When Brian Swan left school in 1962, there was no doubt what he wanted to do for a career.

Southerners should draw on their Scottish heritage and ''start a political revolt'' against an economic system that hurts the local economy, New Zealand First leader Winston Peters told an audience in Dunedin last night.

2013 Upstart Director Award winner Mark Berryman and his wife Liz have been lured South by study opportunities at the University of Otago and the lifestyle. Sally Rae reports.

The Government is involved in a broad range of economic development initiatives in the Otago region and throughout New Zealand to encourage new investment, jobs and growth, says Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce in response to the concerns identified in Stand up Otago.